FRESNO – Mayor Swearengin today announced plans to implement a new policy which will reduce citywide development impact fees for new industrial development projects that will create jobs and stimulate economic development in the city of Fresno.

“Creating jobs is the most important issue we face in Fresno. We have to make it easier for industrial businesses to expand and locate here. This incentive is an important part of what the city can do to create jobs,” Mayor Swearengin said.

“This is a step in the right direction to ensure our local businesses are not only competitive in a world market, but can increase their capacity to add good paying jobs and economic development to our city and region,” Council member Sal Quintero said.

New industrial development in Fresno will produce great economic benefits in that it will bring well-paying, permanent jobs which will provide residents with access to a range of desirable employment opportunities. Furthermore, new development will generate additional property tax revenue for the city as a result of increased assessed property values created by the build out of industrial sites.

The reduction of impact fees will be effective for a twelve-month period and authorizes the City Manager to reduce citywide impact fees for new development where public infrastructure to support industrial uses currently exists. The policy applies specifically to industrial projects located on sites zoned for industrial use.

“Other cities are offering impact fee waiver programs in order to draw growth and revenue into their communities,” City Manager Bruce Rudd said. “This policy positions Fresno to be an equally attractive competitor for recruiting industrial development to our city.”

“This is a great local policy to attract industry to Fresno and add jobs to our community,” Council President Steve Brandau said.